The DuPage County Boys Volleyball All-Area Team
Sean Becker, Benet
The 5-foot-10 senior wrapped up a solid season by tallying 315 digs, 35 aces and a 2.35 pass rating en route to being named to the all-East Suburban Catholic Conference team. Becker, a team captain, showed why's he's considered a top libero in the area with his consistent play and versatility. "Sean is an extraordinary passer, defender and server," coach Jeff Steinberg said. "He kept us in many competitive matches with key plays being made in high-pressure situations."
Jeremy Cardenas, Neuqua Valley
Cardenas played a key role in helping lead the Wildcats to a supersectional this season despite losing several starers from last season's state team. A unanimous all-DuPage Valley Conference selection, Cardenas, a captain and senior outside hitter, tallied a team-high 241 kills to go with 144 digs, 25 blocks and 24 aces heading into the supersectional match. "Jeremy was a key contributor to our success the three years he was on varsity. He was one of our starting middles last year and this year he made the transition from playing middle to the outside and led our team in kills," coach Erich Mendoza said.
Max Ellenbecker, Lake Park
The senior middle hitter was named to the all-DuKane Conference team due to his consistent and solid play. He was named to the all-tournament team at Glenbard East's Springfest and the Lincoln-Way East tournament. A three-year varsity player, he collected 198 kills and 28 blocks. "Max is the hardest worker in the gym every day and was the perfect senior captain for a team filled with underclassmen," coach Brian Fischer said.
K.J. Glab, St. Francis
The sophomore outside hitter was a stalwart in the lineup, helping his team post a 31-6 record despite a starting unit that consisted of five sophomores. Glab led his team with 291 kills, 127 digs and 36 aces while also tallying 51 blocks and 57 assists. "K.J. thrived under pressure and was our go-to player from any position on the court," coach Mike Lynch said. "K.J. was named first-team all-conference in the Metro Suburban Conference. K.J. knows and understands the game of volleyball at an advanced level. His positive, competitive attitude pushed himself and his teammates to a very successful season."
Josh Gottlieb, Wheaton Warrenville South
The 6-foot-7 junior outside hitter is set to put his name among an illustrious group of former players. He's on track to finish in the top five all-time in program history in kills, blocks and aces. A second-year starter, Gottlied netted 335 kills, 47 blocks, 155 digs and 23 aces this season. "Josh is on a short list with numerous top Division I programs," coach Bill Schreier said. "His offensive game has added depth and complexity this season and will look to expand even further next year. On the season he had 17 matches with double-digit kill totals, highlighted with 16 kills against Hinsdale Central."
Fred Halper, Downers Grove North
The senior libero was all over the court, tallying 334 digs to finish with an 86 percent dig rate. The Wittenberg University recruit added 55 assists and 17 aces. "(Fred) is one of the top, if not the best, liberos in the state," coach Mark Wasik said "He's very physical, reads well, and has great hands. His sets were almost always perfect."
Ben Harrington, Glenbard West
The 6-foot-4 junior helped lead the Hilltoppers to sixth straight trip to the state tournament. After a two-set victory over Palatine in the Fremd supersectional, Harrington raised his season totals to 231 kills, 47 blocks, 31 aces and 81 digs. "Ben is an explosive athlete whose success in the classroom is directly related to his success on the court," coach Christine Giunta-Mayer said. "Ben's very coachable and open minded to instruction and it has been an honor to coach him."
Cal Iwinski, Glenbard East
The senior outside hitter put up some solid numbers this season. The Dominican University recruit netted 127 kills and 84 blocks after tallying 94 kills and 88 blocks last season. "Cal really helped take over this year with Carson Brandt out of the lineup," coach Marci Maier said. "His blocking and kills always brought us energy. It was fun to see him grow into a go-to hitter this year."
John Jaworski, Naperville North
At 5-foot-10 the senior outside hitter managed to put up big numbers for the Huskies. Jaworski, a three-year starter and unanimous all-DuPage Valley Conference selection, ended with 263 kills, 285 digs, 18 blocks and 61 aces. "John has played every position possible with the exception of middle blocker," coach Nathan Bornancin said. "He's arguably the best all-around player in the state when you consider his physical ability, versatility and hi season and career stats. He was recruited as a libero."
Kevin Kauling, Neuqua Valley
Considered one of the best players in the nation, the 6-foot-7 Kauling concluded a storybook varsity tenure by leading the Wildcats to four straight regional titles, including a supersectional trip this season. Armed with international experience and playing for Team USA, Kauling, a Lewis University recruit, compiled 463 assists, 135 kills, 36 blocks, 29 aces and 132 digs heading into the supersectional match.
Caleb Kulesza, West Chicago
Kulesza, a senior, led his team with 256 kills and 68 blocks, while ranking second in digs with 198 and third in aces with 19. He helped guide West Chicago to a 24-9 mark, joining forces with Mike Wagner to form a solid pair. "Caleb is one of the most mature players I have coached. He's truly a leader and thinks about what's best for his team," coach Regina Pauli said.
Joe Martens, Downers Grove North
The 6-foot-5 Martens was a mainstay in the lineup, registering a team-best 208 kills and 60 blocks to end with a hitting percentage of .497. He added 42 digs and 15 aces, while tallying a personal-high 18 kills against Sandburg in the Richards Invite. "Joe did a great job serving and playing defense," coach Mark Wasik said. "At times he was unstoppable. He had several double-digit kill matches."
Collin McCarville, York
The senior libero earned plenty of recognition for his strong play on the court this season. McCarville, a captain, finished with 415 digs and 22 aces while serving at a 91 percent clip. "Collin is simply the finest libero and defensive specialist that I have ever coached," coach Kenneth Dowdy said. "He gets touches on balls that no libero should, and he's simply one of the greatest student-athletes I've ever coached."
Joe Mosny, Addison Trail
The middle hitter made big strides in his senior season, racking up 250 kills, 67 blocks, 60 digs and 14 aces. After compiling 62 kills as his team's fifth option last season, Mosny was a consistent contributor throughout this season. "Joe's one of the most improved players in the area," coach Chad Grant said. "He reads the game well as an attacker and a blocker, which allows him to play bigger than 6 feet tall. He has great timing and a fast arm swing. He hits the slide very well. He served at 95 percent, which is impressive for a middle. Joe was definitely one of the best middles in the area."
Brandon Parks, Downers Grove South
The 6-foot-3 senior became a go-to player for the Mustangs this season. With a deadly jump serve and solid play at the net, Parks often ignited his team on match-turning runs, including in a playoff win over Naperville Central. His strong play, combined with senior Jack Tischler, led Downers Grove South to another 20-win season. Parks had 297 kills, 158 digs, 30 blocks, 48 aces. "Brandon has come a long way since his freshman year to his senior year," coach Kurt Steuer said. "It shows a lot about his character and commitment to the program. He got into shape between his junior and senior year … He's gotten faster, slimmed down and become a heck of a volleyball player for us."
Benett Schreiner, Wheaton North
The 6-foot-8 outside hitter was a handful at the net due to his height and athleticism, helping guide Wheaton North to a 22-13 regular-season record. He led the Falcons with 339 kills and amassed 138 digs, 40 blocks and 40 aces. A team captain, he broke the program's all-time records for kills, kills in a season and kills in a match to go along with most aces all-time. "Benett is, without a doubt, one of the most talented outside hitters in our area and the most talented player in Wheaton North boys volleyball history," coach John Noe said.
Cal Snyder, Hinsdale Central
The senior outside hitter sparked the Red Devils to the program's third state appearance, defeating Neuqua Valley in a supersectional. The 6-foot-5 captain recorded 294 kills, 28 blocks, 30 aces and 114 digs, including notching a high of 22 kills in a match. A three-year varsity member, Snyder was named to the all-West Suburban Conference team this season and will attend Oklahoma.
Carter Stenmark, Naperville Central
An explosive athlete with big-hitting skills, Stenmark, an outside hitter, posted big numbers in his junior season. He finished with 429 kills, 40 blocks and 83 digs. He was named to all-tournament teams at the Marist Redhawk Invite, Wheaton Warrenville South Tiger Classic, the Brother Rice Smack Attack and the Richards Invite. "Carter really worked on his game during the off-season and came back with more confidence, strength and power this season," coach Roger Strausberger said. "He's one of the top hitters in our area and will continue to work on his game as he enters his senior year."
Ryan Swartz, Glenbard West
The 6-foot-1 senior outside hitter was key factor in the Hilltoppers reaching the state tournament with a 36-3 record. Swartz, a captain, enters Friday's state quarterfinals with 231 kills, 47 blocks, 31 aces and 81 digs. "Ryan has been instrumental in the success of this team, both on and off the court," coach Christine Giunta-Mayer said. "He's an amazing student athlete and been a great captain this year."
Bryce Walker, St. Francis
The junior middle hitter had a breakout season by collecting 276 kills, 133 blocks, 20 aces and 67 digs. Walker, a captain, was instrumental in his team winning 31 games and is set to play at Purdue Fort Wayne. "Bryce is one of the most dominating middle hitters in the state," coach Mike Lynch said. "He pushed the whole team to play at the highest possible level. It's difficult to be a kill leader out of the middle position. Bryce also was a serving leader and played back row."
Honorable mention
Fenton: Tyler Ford, S, sr.; Downers Grove South: Jack Tischler, OH, sr.; Glenbard East: Carson Brandt, OH, sr., Jack Wozniak, MH, jr.; Glenbard West: Henry Curtis, S, sr.; Zack Morris, L, sr.; Hinsdale Central: Gavin Schwarz, L, sr.; Luke Vozenilek, RS, sr.; Lake Park: Josh Schellinger, OH, so.; St. Francis: Aiden Benson, MH, so.; Kevin Schuele, S, so.; Montini: Daniel Cyze, OH, so.; Naperville North: Henry Zhou, MH, sr.; York: Jacob Wiggins, RS, so.; Waubonsie Valley: Ben Schwieger, HM, so.; Wheaton North: Caleb Sorenson, MH, jr.; Wheaton Warrenville South: Declin Ermer, MH, sr.; Chase Keating, OH, sr.; West Chicago: Mike Wagner, RS, sr.